Newberg, OR asked in Small Claims for Oregon

Q: Do I need to pay a deposit back to someone I replaced on an apartment lease?

There was no discussion of paying a deposit back and I’ve been threatened with a small claims court case.

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1 Lawyer Answer

A: Unless you specifically agreed, any security deposit charges or refund is strictly between the landlord and the ex-tenant. If a new "replacement" tenant paid it to the out-going tenant, the new tenant can end up paying for any damages the landlord alleges caused by the out-going person.

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